Multiple use air moving apparatus



March '17, 1970 N'. B. wENlG 3,500,738

MULTIPLE USE AIR MOVING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 12, 1967 /0 56 H6 56 /5 4s 44 54 20 58 52 j 26 32 32g! 48 7 2/ I 4 [I0 56 32 iiww'fifi mc 28 'jyww w A TTORNEYS United States Patent US. C]. 98-94 2 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Air moving apparatus comprising fan or blower means disposed within a housing constructed and arranged for alternative installation with an air-conditioning sleeve, at a window opening, or free standing on a floor or other support surface, foldable or retractable legs and handle means structurally associated with the housing, damper means for controlling airflow through the housing, means for selectively supporting an air filter panel or a solid panel disposed within the air path of the fan for selectively providing air filtration or closure of the air path, grille means at one end of the housing, and louver means at the other end thereof.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 676,533 filed Oct. 19, 1967 and entitled Building Constructions.

This invention relates generally to air moving apparatus and, more particularly, to multiple use air moving apparatus.

Wall sleeves are bricked into the Walls of apartments, motels, hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, one-family homes and other types of construction to provide a receptacle for a through-the-wall air conditioning unit such as those manufactured by many prominent companies. The wall sleeves may be installed either at the time of construction of a new building, or may be added later, such as during renovations. The air conditioning units may be installed at or shortly after the installation of the wall sleeves, or the air conditioner may be installed at some future date. Under certain Federal and State assisted housing programs, the Federal and State authorities require that such air conditioning sleeves be provided. However, experience has shown that in such Federal and State assisted housing projects, only a relatively small percentage of such sleeves are ever actually utilized as receptacles for air conditioning units.

Where no air conditioning units are installed it is highly desirable to provide powered ventilation and/or exhaust, as by means of an electric fan or blower. Since most city air is heavily polluted it is desirable that such fan or blower also provide filtration of the air. Presently, the only practical way of providing fresh or exhaust air is through the use of a window fan unit. However, the use of such a window fan unit presents several disadvantages. Firstly, such units are generally not usable in rainy Weather since they cannot prevent the entrance of rain to the dwelling. Secondly, such units are not aesthetically appealing, since they block at least a part of the window to which they are afiixed. Additionally, such units do not generally provide for any filtration of the entering air, and may be prohibited in rental dwellings.

Wall sleeves, however, provide a heretofore unused location which is ideal for the installation of air moving means, such as blower or fan. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide apparatus for converting such wall sleeves to efficient ventilator units.

Another primary object of the present invention, in

ice

addition to the foregoing object, is to provide air moving apparatus constructed and arranged for insertion within such wall sleeves.

Yet another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such air moving means which are constructed and arranged to preclude the admittance of rainwater, or the like through such sleeves.

Still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such air moving means which are readily controllable as to the quantity of air passing therethrough.

A further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such air moving means which enable efiicient ventilation of a room without adversely affecting the physical security thereof.

A yet further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such air moving means which comprise air filtration means.

Another and still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such air moving means in combination with air heating means.

Yet another and still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such air moving means which are constructed and arranged for selective utilization either in such air conditioning sleeves, portably as by being supported on a floor or other surface, or mounted with a Window frame.

Yet still another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide' such air moving means having retractable or movable leg and handle means.

A yet further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such air moving means incorporating movable damper means.

A yet still further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of such air moving means which are economical to manufacture and use and which are yet durable and aesthetically appealing.

A yet further primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is to provide such air moving means which may be readily installed and removed from such air conditioning wall sleeves.

Yet another primary object of the present invention, in addition to each of the foregoing objects, is the provision of devices and apparatus for simply and easily closing or :blocking airflow through such wall sleeves.

The invention resides in the combination, construction, arrangement and disposition of the various component parts and elements incorporated in improved air moving, fan or blower means or apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. The present invention will be better understood and objects and important features other than those specifically enumerated above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following details and description, which when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawing describes, discloses, illustrates and shows certain preferred embodiments or modifications of the present invention and what is presently considered and believed to be the best mode of practicing the principles thereof. Other embodiments or mdoifications that may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings here in are intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and spirit of the subjoined claims.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a top plan cross-sectional view taken along lines 33 of FIG. 1.

With reference now to the drawing, there is shown and illustrated air moving apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally by the reference character 10. The apparatus is constructed and arranged for utilization in a free-standing and portable condititon, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or 'for utilization mounted or positioned within an air conditioning sleeve, such as a sleeve generally designated by the reference character 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the air moving apparatus 10 may comprise housing means 14, air moving means 16 disposed therein and means 18 for driving the air moving means 16. The air moving apparatus 10 may further comprise fixed or movable louver means 20 for enabling or controlling the movement of air therethrough while substantially precluding the admission of rain, snow, or the like, to the interior of the housing 14 and grille means 22 constructed and arranged to preclude the introductiton of foreign objects to the interior of the housing 14 and accordingly to preclude such foreign objects from being struck by the air moving means 16. Still further, the apparatus 10 may comprise air filtering means 24 operatively disposed relative to the air moving means 16 whereby the air moved by the air moving means 16 will pass through the air filtering means 24. Yet, further, the apparatus 10 may comprise damper means 26 constructed and arranged to enable the selective blockage of all or substantially all air movement through the housing 14. Yet still further, the apparatus 10 may comprise support means 28 for the housing 14 when the apparatus 10 is utilized as a free-standing and portable unit and handle means 30 for aiding in the manipulation of the assembly 10. The apparatus 10 may also comprise a heating coil 32, deodorizer, ionizer, precipitator, humidifier, or the like.

In the exemplary form of this invention shown and illustrated in the drawing, the housing 14 is of generally rectangular configuration comprising generally rectangular, generally parallel and spaced apart top and bottom walls 34 and 36, respectively, a generally rectangular rear wall 38 and a pair of generally rectangular, generally parallel and spaced apart side walls 40 and 42, respectively extending between the top wall 34 and the bottom wall 36. The grille means 22 may be disposed at one end portion of the housing 14 extending generally between the side Walls 40 and 42 and the top and bottom walls 34 and 36. The grille means 22 may be constructed and arranged to enable the relatively unimpeded passage therethrough of fluid placed in movement by the moving means 16 while yet substantially precluding the entrance of foreign objects into the housing 14 and to further provide an aesthetically appropriate front closure to the housing 14. For example, the grille means 22 may comprise a plurality of generally horizontal and generally vertical wires or bars 44 and 46, respectively, extending between the side walls 40 and 42 and between the top wall 34 and the bottom wall 36, respectively.

The air moving means 16 may comprise a single, multi-bladed fan, as shown, or may comprise a plurality of fans, or may comprise one or a plurality of blower units. The air moving means 16 may be directly driven from the driving means 18, as shown, or may be operatively connected therewith by substantially any power transmission device, such as a belt and pulley arrangement.

Similarly, the drive means 18 may comprise a single electric motor or may comprise a plurality of motors. The drive means 18 may comprise a single speed motor or may comprise a multi-speed motor and may be either of the uni-directional type or may be reversible, either electrically or mechanically.

The drive means or motor 18 may be structurally associated with the housing 14 and may, for example, be mounted upon a support member 48 extending generally transversely of the housing 14 and structurally associated therewith. The support means 48 may comprise a unitary plate provided with apertures for enabling the passage of air therethrough or may be fabricated of a plurality of bars, rods, channel sections, or the like, as is believed readily apparent.

The damper means 26 may comprise a plurality of damper panels 50 movably associated relative to the rear panel 38, as by being slidably mounted thereon, or by being connected therewith as by means of hinges 52, as shown. Moreover, the louvers 20 may be movable relative to the rear panel 38 and operatively interconnected to define the damper means.

The damper means 26 may be operated between open and closed positions thereof, for example, by being spring biased for movement to an open position upon the How of air past the air moving means 16, may be electrically actuated to be opened upon energization of the drive means 18 or may, as shown, be manually operable, as by means of a manually operable control linkage 54 operable from externally of the housing 14, as by means of a knob 56. For example, the damper panels 50 may be operatively interconnected by means of link bars 56 hingedly mounted therewith for operation together. As is clearly shown in the drawing, sliding movement of the control member 54 inwardly and outwardly of the housing 14, as by movement of the knob 56 will be effective to move the damper panels 50 between an open and a closed, wind proof, position thereof. The speed and direction of the drive means 18 may be controlled by switch means disposed generally adjacent the grille means 22 or may be controlled by switch means adapted for operation concurrently with movement of the link means 54. For example, the link means 54 and knob 56 may be constructed and arranged for sliding movement relative to the grille 22 for operation of the damper means 26 and for rotary movement for control of the operation of the drive means 18.

The filtration means 24 may comprise substantially any generally porous air filtering material and may be selfsustaining or mounted upon or within a frame. The housing 14 may be provided with a U-shaped channel adapted to slidable receive the filtering means 24 or the channel means may be defined, as shown, by a plurality of generally spaced apart angular members 58 and 60. The filtering means 24 may be readily removed or replaced, as by being slidable through an elongated slot 62. A solid panel may be provided to be substituted or installed through the slot 62 in the slide panel 42 to prevent drafts during cold weather. The auxiliary heating means 32 may, for example, comprise an electrical resistance heating element of the open type or of the closed tubular type and may be secured within the housing 14 behind the guard means 22 in any convenient manner. Heating action of the heating means 32 may be controlled by a separate switch or may be controlled by the same switch utilized to control the drive means 18.

As heretofore pointed out, the apparatus 10 may be utilized either as a free-standing air moving unit or may be disposed and utilized within an air-conditioning sleeve. Accordingly, the handle means 30 and the support means or legs 28 may be structurally associated with the housing means 14 in a manner enabling movement relative thereto between extended positions, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 and folded positions, such as illustrated in FIG. 2. For p he handle means 30 may be provided with bifurcated end portions or lugs 64 engaged with cooperating lugs 66 projecting generally upwardly from the top panel 34 of the housing 14. The lugs 64 and 66 may be hingedly interconnected, as by means of pivot pins 68, as shown. The top panel 34 of the housing 14 may be provided with a recess 70 to enable the handle 30 to be disposed in a non-projecting configuration when in the folded position.

Similarly, the legs 28 may be pivotally connected with the bottom panel 36 of the housing 14 and the panel 36 may be provided with recesses 72 for containing the legs 28 therewithin when in the folded position thereof. Means (not shown) such as toggles, latching links, or springs may be provided for retaining the handle 30 and/ or the legs 28 in one or both of the positions thereof. Accordingly, with the leg means 28 extended, the apparatus may be utilized as a free-standing unit and with the legs 28 and handle 30 disposed in the folded positions thereof, the apparatus 10 may be disposed within the air-conditioning sleeve 12.

When disposed within the air-conditioning sleeve 12, the apparatus 10 will be precluded from outward movement relative thereto by means of inwardly extending flanges 74 generally comprising a portion of the sleeve 12. Weepholes 76 may be provided in the housing 14 disposed to align with weepholes 78 conventionally provided in the sleeve means 12. The filter 24 may be readily changed by merely sliding the apparatus 10 partially out of the sleeve 12 a distance sufiicient to enable such replacement.

Additionally, if desired, the apparatus 10 may be constructed and arranged to provide for re-circulation of room air with the damper means 26 closed, such as being provided with two fans and driving each fan in an opposite direction or by providing appropriate dampers. If the air moving means is constructed and arranged to be reversible, then the apparatus 10 would be capable of selectively providing either fresh ventilating air or exhaust of stale room air. If a plurality of air moving means are provided then the apparatus 10 could provide for both functions simultaneously. Additionally, the heating means 32 could provide for heating of either the room aid or the ventilating air.

When the apparatus 10 is removed from the sleeve means 12, there may be provided means, such as a block or hollow structure adapted to be disposed within the sleeve means 12 in place of the apparatus 10 to preclude air passage through the sleeve 12. For example, such means may comprise a block or hollow liner fabricated of metal, wood, plastic, foam plastic, or the like which may be readily slid into the sleeve without requiring the use of any tools and which may be reinforced to provide the necessary structural rigidity in any manner,

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in terms of a preferred embodiment or modification which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the invention should not be deemed to be limited by the precise embodiment or modification herein described, disclosed, illustrated or shown, such other embodiments or modifications as may be suggested to those having the benefit of the teachings herein being intended to be reserved especially as they fall within the scope and breadth of the claims here appended.

What is claimed is:

1. Air moving apparatus comprising, in combination, a housing comprising, in turn, a top wall, a bottom wall generally parallel and spaced apart therefrom and a pair of generally parallel side walls extending generally perpendicularly therebetween, said walls defining a tubular member of generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration adapted to fit within and substantially entirely fill a through-the-wall air conditioner sleeve, a rear wall extending generally perpendicularly across one end portion of said tubular member adapted to be disposed adjacent the external end of such sleeve and provided with horizontally disposed louver means for enabling substantially unhindered flow of air therethrough while precluding the entry of rain, varmints, birds, and the like, into said tubular member when disposed in such sleeve and precluding the entry of pets, children, bodily members, toys and other objects when separated therefrom; a plurality of vertically disposed dampers movably mounted with said rear wall for selectively permitting and precluding airflow therethrough and control means therefor, said horizontal louver means and said vertical damper means being disposed in cooperative association with one another, said control means being operable generally from the outside of said other end of said tubular member and without removing said grille, an aesthetically appealing grille extending generally perpendicularly across the other end portion of said tubular member for precluding the entry of pets, children, bodily members, toys and other objects therethrough from said other end, a fan positioned within said tubular member for producing a flow of air therethrough, a motor within said tubular member for driving said fan and having the power cord therefor extending generally outwardly of said other end of said tubular member enabling energization thereof even when said apparatus is installed within such sleeve, and a plurality of retractile legs extendable from said bottom wall for enabling said apparatus to be used separately and independently of any sleeve.

2. Air moving apparatus defined in claim 1 further comprising upper and lower generally U-shaped channels mounted with said top and bottom walls, respectively, generally adjacent said grille and extending generally in opposition to each other, one of said side walls being provided with a slot extending generally vertically thereof and in general alignment with said channels and a filter unit of generally rectangular configuration adapted to be inserted through said slot and into said channels so that it extends substantially entirely across said tubular member while being yet easily removable therefrom through said slot even when said apparatus is disposed within a sleeve and without requiring that the apparatus be moved more than slightly from said sleeve for such removal and replacement.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,008,965 7/1935 Miller 230-273 X 2,010,808 8/1935 Braine 9894 2,862,657 12/1958 Copeland et al 9894 X 2,867,377 1/1959 Lasko 230 273 X 3,058,651 10/1962 Mobley 230235 X WILLIAM E. WAY NER, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

